Spurs say winning streaks during RRT are a result of added focus

The Spurs have charged to a nine-game winning streak, longest in the league this year and one of the 16 longest streaks in the Gregg Popovich coaching era.

It’s interesting to notice how often these winning streaks have come with games in the Rodeo Road Trip included. The current one marks the fifth time since 2003 that the Spurs have reeled off at least a nine-game winning streak with games included that were part of the team’s annual extended road trip away during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

“We’re prepared for (the games) and we understand and know what it’s all about,” Spurs captain Tim Duncan said. “It’s about seeing the road in front of you and seeing how many games you have. We want to come out with a good record on the trip. For some reason, we come out and do pretty good. It kind of solidifies our feel on the road as a team.””

Manu Ginobili noted that the Spurs’ increased focus on the recent trip was heightened by being together.

“We took responsibility on every game and didn’t take anything for granted,” Ginobili said. “Sometimes you go play teams that aren’t doing so good like New Jersey, Detroit and Toronto – three consecutively – and you might make a mistake in one. We just played hard and responsible and it’s good to see that.”

The Spurs will have their chance to extend the streak to 10 games Saturday afternoon against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Here’s a look at the longest winning streaks of Popovich’s coaching tenure. Those streaks that included games during the Rodeo Road Trip are noted.